The Blades made two attempts over the summer to sign Leonard - who also previously interested Millwall - but they were also turned down despite the fact the 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave on a free transfer.

Manager Chris Wilder is looking for support in central midfield after Paul Coutts suffered a broken leg during the recent 3-1 Championship victory at Burton Albion, an injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

United have not won in the second tier of English football since, drawing once and losing twice, with John Lundstram filling in for the absent Coutts.

Yet if Southend boss Phil Brown is so determined not to sell Leonard then perhaps Wilder should look elsewhere and perhaps Brentford's Ryan Woods would fit the bill perfectly.

Bradley Johnson of Derby County chases down Ryan Woods of Brentford during the Sky Bet Championship match at Griffin Park.

The 23-year-old is under contract with the Bees until 2020 and is likely to cost significantly more than Leonard, but would also be a far superior signing and could help push Wilder's side towards promotion to the Premier League after a strong start to 2017/18 has tapered off somewhat in recent times.

Tom Seymour

Tom is a freelance sports journalist with more than four years' experience in the industry; having also worked in radio and newspapers, as well as online. A Sheffield United fan who now lives in Bristol, Tom can be spotted at Huish Park at Yeovil Town's home games when he also does a bit of commentary.